Expresses concern about the law criminalising innocent acts by kind-hearted people, such as older ladies picking up stray cats. Asks for reassurance that good behaviour is not being criminalised.

Supports the Bill, highlighting the need to protect indoor breeds of cats which are as vulnerable and valuable as dogs. Seeks assurances that such breeds will be adequately protected under the new legislation.

Raises concerns about legal obligations for dog versus cat owners, specifically asking how current laws differentiate and what responsibilities individuals have if they find a stray pet. Also inquires about the implications of the new Bill on these obligations.

Remarks positively but does not elaborate significantly, asking for the speaker to keep dancing and praising the importance of the topic.

Supports the Bill but questions whether an existing offence covers this type of criminal behaviour sufficiently. Expresses hope that the new offence will improve police response to pet theft.

Encourages wider microchipping of pets to resolve ownership disputes and ensure better tracking and protection against abduction. Suggests it as a lesson from both literary examples like 'Six Dinner Sid' and personal anecdotes.

Congratulates the lead MP on raising valuable points, especially regarding future expansion of the Bill to cover more pet species beyond dogs and cats.

Lyn Brown spoke in favour of the Bill, emphasising the importance of protecting dogs from theft. She mentioned that her dog Cara is a significant part of her family and provided support to constituents during the lockdown period when many were concerned about dog theft. Brown highlighted the emotional impact on elderly individuals such as an 84-year-old friend who had her terrier snatched while out for a walk, causing great distress. She expressed gratitude towards the hon. Member for Southend West (Anna Firth) for bringing forward the Bill and stressed its necessity in providing greater legal clarity to protect animals from being treated as property.

Jane Stevenson briefly intervened, acknowledging Lyn Brown's dog Cara. She noted that while each Member’s pet could have its unique role and importance, it is important to recognise the cross-party unity on protecting animals from theft as outlined in the Bill.

Robert Buckland, speaking in support of the amendment or clause, emphasises the need to address pet theft and the inadequacy of current laws that treat animals as mere property. He highlights the work of his taskforce with various stakeholders, noting the challenges in proving theft due to the requirement of intent to permanently deprive someone of their property. Buckland argues for a new offence of 'abduction' similar to child abduction law, which does not require proof of dishonesty or intention to keep the animal permanently but focuses on the act of taking away an animal from its rightful owner. He also mentions the welfare concerns and organised criminal activity surrounding pet theft, particularly involving dogs, and supports extending the offence to cats and other animals through secondary legislation. Buckland concludes by praising the Bill's clarity in defining offences without complicating the legal framework.

Argues that pet theft is a widespread issue, especially during the pandemic. Emphasises the need for legislation to address emotional distress and financial consequences faced by victims. Cites examples of stolen pets with high value (e.g., Bengal cat worth £5,000). Supports the Bill's message and importance in combating trade behind pet abduction.

Compliments the Bill’s introduction by her colleague. Highlights the emotional value of pets, regardless of financial worth. Mentions local animal welfare groups and volunteers supporting the initiative. Emphasises the importance of including various types of animals in the legislation to ensure it covers all pet owners.

Supports the Bill, citing personal experiences and examples of dog theft. Emphasises that pet theft should be seen as a crime beyond financial loss due to emotional impact on families and animals. Recommends tracking patterns of dog theft through specific offences for law enforcement effectiveness against organised crime.

Supports the Bill, advocating for improved police investigation and seriousness towards pet theft. Proposes complementary legislation on microchipping cats to address loss of pets due to death or disposal without owner notification. Highlights concerns about veterinary euthanasia of healthy dogs without proper checks.

Supports the Bill due to personal experience with pet theft in her constituency, highlighting the emotional distress caused by such incidents. Emphasises that pets are not mere property but integral family members who deserve better legal protection and recognition of their value.

Congratulates the lead MP for introducing this legislation, emphasising that it will criminalise pet abduction more effectively than current laws. Cites examples of successful police efforts to reunite stolen pets with their owners and stresses the importance of swift implementation.

Supports the Bill introduced by Anna Firth to address pet theft, highlighting personal and constituency impacts. Mentions a case in Hampstead Heath where a puppy was abandoned and later found dead after being stolen. Emphasises the need for citizens to have a duty to stray dogs under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Highlights the work of local organisations like Cats Protection and DogLost, and mentions personal stories such as Alex Dann's dog Patch being stolen while he served ice cream customers.

He congratulates Anna Firth for introducing the Pet Abduction Bill and supports its aim to address pet theft, which can happen for various reasons including resale, extortion, breeding, and dog fighting. He highlights that dogs and cats are now considered sentient beings under the law but the current legal framework treats their abduction akin to stealing an inanimate object. The Labour party has been advocating for action on this issue for years and argues that the proposed legislation is urgent given the emotional impact of pet theft on owners.

Rebecca Pow supports the Bill and recognises the importance of pets as sentient beings. She highlights the Government's existing animal welfare measures, including the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022, and acknowledges cross-party support for the Bill. She also emphasises the emotional impact on pet owners when their animals are stolen.

Anna Firth expresses gratitude to all hon. Members for supporting the debate and recognising the importance of animal welfare. She acknowledges the support from the Government and looks forward to the Bill's progress through Parliament.